2003 Clos du Marquis, Saint-Julien

In 2003, this was the second wine of Leoville Las Cases as opposed to a separate entity. A brilliant effort, it was harvested between September 11 and 26, and boasts 13.3% natural alcohol. The final blend was 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. Its deep garnet/ruby/plum color is followed by notes of bay leaf, black currants, licorice and lead pencil shavings. The wine is deep, full-bodied, rich and fully mature, but its length, richness, freshness and complete feel suggest it will continue to drink well for 7-8 years. It’s a beauty.

Red-ruby. Aromas of redcurrant, cedar, graphite, tobacco and oak spices. Sweet, sappy and layered, with sweet flavors of redcurrant, tobacco and minerals. Finishes with chewy tannins and excellent persistence.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 24/04/2006

The 2003 Clos du Marquis possesses higher alcohol (13.4%) than the 2003 grand vin, no doubt because of the higher percentage of Merlot in the final blend. This impressive sleeper of the vintage boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as abundant amounts of fleshy, black cherry and currant fruit interwoven with mocha, vanillin, and spice box. Pure, layered, upfront, and already delicious, it should be drunk over the next 12-15 years.

Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s “10-Year On” tasting in London. The Clos du Marquis 2003 has a ripe bouquet of damson, clove and bay leaf that is well defined, almost Pauillac in style. It improves in the glass with touches of marmalade coming through. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, good acidity and a fine, quite exotic marmalade tinged finish that fans out nicely across the mouth. I cannot see it improving, but it offers pleasure now. Tasted March 2013.

This is made from specific plots other than those dedicated to Las Cases. They apparently suffered more stress and produced rather hotter, softer wines. Extremely deep vibrant crimson colour. Meaty ripeness on the nose. Rather fabulously seductive with a great kick on the finish. Good constitution. A little lighter and more obviously sweet and even juicier than Las Cases but this has real savour too. One of the most charming Clos du Marquis for a while. Just under 13.4 per cent alcohol whereas the grand vin is just over 13.2. (JR)